UT System Board of Regents Approved Initial Plans for Two Structures at Nov. 10 Meeting

To ease immediate concerns, the University is expanding two parking lots on its north side. Additions to Lot E near the current ATEC building will add approximately 105 spots. Expansion of Lot P, located at the corner of Rutford Avenue and Loop Road, will add around 70 spaces. Both projects are expected to be complete in spring 2012.

Parking garages eventually will anchor the north and south ends of campus, thanks to the support of the UT System Board of Regents. The governing body approved the garage projects for inclusion in the University’s portion of the UT System’s Capital Improvement Program at their November 10 meeting. UT Dallas will submit design plans and request funding authorization from the board at a later date.

When complete, the two garages will increase the University’s parking capacity by 1,500 spaces.

Parking Improvements

New Structures: North Garage and South Garage

Capacity: 750 vehicles each

Other Projects: Approx 175 spaces to be added to existing lots

Total New Parking: 1,700 spaces

“We’re grateful for the Regents’ support of additional parking at UT Dallas,” University President David E. Daniel said. “Growing our infrastructure at a pace appropriate to our enrollment growth is a factor in our continued ability to attract and retain excellent students, faculty and staff.”

Both garages are planned as five-story structures with 750 vehicle spaces. Structures will include accessible parking spaces. Construction cost of each garage is estimated at $12 million.

The north facility, a freestanding structure to be completed in parallel with the fourth residence hall, will be built near the residence halls. The architect selected to design the University’s fourth residence hall will be charged with designing the nearby garage in a complementary aesthetic.

“This development aligns extremely well with our master plan to develop an accessible urban campus environment,” Dr. Calvin Jamison, senior vice president for business affairs, said.

Operational details, including hours and cost of use, will be determined in the coming months.

“Students already are much more optimistic about the parking situation knowing that what they’ve been wanting for years is finally coming,” Student Government President Brittany Sharkey Andrews said. “Members of Student Government will be sure to give our input as necessary on the allocation of the garages to ensure students have fair access.”